Scenes of jubilation swept across Senegal on Sunday night after the national football team edged past Morocco 1–0 in a dramatic final to clinch the Africa Cup of Nations, sparking celebrations across the capital Dakar and beyond.
Fireworks illuminated the night sky as horns blared and thousands poured onto the streets, draped in national colours and waving Senegalese flags. Celebrations erupted across neighbourhoods, with people chanting, dancing and embracing well into the night.
“Our team has shown that it is the best in Africa,” said Pape Ndiaye, waving a Senegalese flag in the working-class Parcelles Assainies district of Dakar.
“It's a well-deserved victory. The Lions fought like true lions,” he added, referring to the national side’s nickname, the Teranga Lions.
The celebrations followed a tense final played in Rabat, where Pape Gueye struck in extra time to secure victory for Senegal against the host nation. The chaotic contest saw fans attempting to enter the pitch and Senegalese players briefly walking off in protest over a penalty decision deep into second-half stoppage time.
“The Senegalese team showed its strength and why it is the best team in Africa,” said Mamadou Alpha Diallo, a 26-year-old education student.
“The team showed maturity in a difficult match. The referee played with our emotions. We were stressed and exhausted, but Senegal persevered.”
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The triumph marks Senegal’s second Africa Cup of Nations title, following their maiden victory in 2021, when they defeated Egypt on penalties.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye hailed the achievement in an address on public television. “The joy is indescribable,” he said.
“We experienced a whole range of emotions. We saw men on the field. Patriots fighting for our honour. This is a victory for the lions, first and foremost, for the coaching staff, and for the entire Senegalese people.”
The President announced financial rewards for the team and declared Monday a public holiday to allow nationwide celebrations.
As crowds gathered at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, the festive mood showed no sign of fading.
“I'm not sleeping tonight, and we're going to celebrate until the early hours. No Senegalese person will sleep tonight,” said Sidy Sylla, a PhD student.
“With the World Cup coming up, the world needs to know that Senegal is no longer a small team; it's a team to be feared.”
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